Page 3 - 02 Persecution in the Frist Centuries

that burst forth against the world's Redeemer

would be manifested against all who should

believe on His name.

The history of the early church testified to

the fulfillment of the Saviour's words. The

powers of earth and hell arrayed themselves

against Christ in the person of His followers.

Paganism foresaw that should the gospel

triumph, her temples and altars would be

swept away; therefore she summoned her

forces to destroy Christianity. The fires of

persecution were kindled. Christians were

stripped of their possessions and driven from

their homes. They “endured a great fight of

afflictions.” Hebrews 10:32. They “had trial of

cruel mockings and scourgings, yea,

moreover of bonds and imprisonment.”

Hebrews 11:36. Great numbers sealed their

testimony with their blood. Noble and slave,